Cork Woman’s ADHD Diagnosis Brings Clarity After Years of Struggle

Ailbhe Hannah Edgeworth, a 28-year-old from Cork, Ireland, faced years of unseen challenges before a recent diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) brought clarity to her struggles. After battling burnout and confusion throughout her schooling and early adulthood, Ailbhe’s discovery of ADHD’s impact on women was a pivotal moment in her life.

Reflecting on her journey, Ailbhe stated, “It wasn’t until late 2022 that I came across information about ADHD in women. It was like a complete and utter lightbulb moment. For the first time, I was reading something that completely described what I was experiencing.” This realization prompted her to seek professional help, leading to her diagnosis at the end of 2023.

Struggles with Undiagnosed ADHD

Ailbhe’s challenges began in childhood but intensified during her transition to adulthood. “Looking back, I recognize that undiagnosed ADHD is something I’ve struggled with my whole life,” she explained. The difficulties peaked when she moved out of her family home at the age of 20, where she found it overwhelming to manage household responsibilities, academic demands, and employment.

For six years, Ailbhe experienced cycles of burnout without understanding the root cause. “I’m a very ambitious person who has always been willing to work hard… but I couldn’t keep my focus,” she noted. This led to significant tolls on her mental health as she felt increasingly exhausted and stagnant in her progress.

Employment difficulties and navigating treatment options have remained her primary hurdles since her diagnosis. Ailbhe highlighted the challenges many individuals with ADHD face in accessing timely care, stating, “Public waiting lists are either too long or completely closed… Many are forced to seek a diagnosis and treatment privately, which is extremely costly.”

The Importance of Awareness and Support

Ailbhe’s experience has brought to light the need for greater awareness regarding ADHD, particularly in women and girls. She recalled how her parents were unaware of her condition until she shared her diagnosis. “When I opened up to my parents about my diagnosis, they were so upset, wondering how they hadn’t recognized it earlier,” she said. She noted the lack of information about ADHD in females during her school years, where the condition was typically associated with hyperactive boys.

Statistics from ADHD Ireland suggest that around 56,000 Irish adults have been diagnosed with ADHD, but estimates indicate there could be as many as 160,000 undiagnosed cases. Symptoms in adults may include difficulties with concentration, restlessness, and challenges in managing tasks. Ailbhe expressed hope that increased awareness would lead to better recognition of ADHD symptoms in young girls.

Despite the hardships, Ailbhe has found coping strategies that have proven effective. She has incorporated mindfulness, yoga, and nature walks into her routine to manage her symptoms. She shared, “Getting out into nature is also very soothing for me.” Her partner, Cian, has been a supportive presence, helping her recognize attributes of her ADHD in everyday life.

Ailbhe is committed to sharing her journey to help others who may feel isolated due to similar experiences. She emphasized, “I don’t consider ADHD a superpower… It undermines the challenges we face, especially when trying to access financial support or treatment.” Her social media presence has garnered a positive response, allowing her to connect with others and foster a supportive community.

As Ailbhe continues her journey, she remains hopeful that her situation will improve and that others facing similar challenges will receive the recognition and support they deserve. “My goal is to help others with ADHD find more self-love,” she affirmed, highlighting the importance of understanding and acceptance in the face of adversity.